Successful Open Mic Experiences - In the Classroom and Beyond

Step 1: Respect is the most essential element of the experience. There is no room for eye rolling, smirking, or negativity.

Step 2: Make sure everyone feels affirmed. Obviously, students are bringing a lot of different ability levels to the table. It is important that the most academically challenged students feel as empowered as those who are academically gifted.

Step 3: I require students to bring their notebooks and a pen to the circle. This way, they can jot down lines from one another's work to talk about and react to.

Step 4: Create a corner of your classroom where readings take place. Make it as comfortable and inviting as possible. Allow the students to bring in their own decorations: photos, art work, post cards, etc. Personalize the corner. Add bookshelves, a small piece of carpet, etc. I bought a second-hand guitar that I keep in the corner, in case a student wishes to play his/her music during a reading day. If you are in several classrooms, arrange the desks in a circle or some other more intimate setting for a reading day.

Step 5: I sometimes surprise my students with food: coffee, donuts, cookies, what-have-you. Before you know it, though, they are more excited about hearing each other's new material than they are about the grub!

Step 6: Invite others to the circle - creative writing alumni, graduates, members of your literary magazine staff, etc. Let students see that they are not the only ones whose lives are affected by the written word.

Step 7: DO NOT FORCE ANYONE TO READ. EVER. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Instead, create an environment where everyone will WANT to read because they are comfortable with you and their fellow students.

Step 8: Make it a celebratory event. At this point, the editing and revision have taken place, so the work students are reading is really representative of their best efforts. Save the hardcore criticism for when you write suggestions on their individual papers.

Step 9: Bring it beyond your classroom: I work in conjunction with my local library's "Friends of the Library" group. Many community programs have opportunities for children and adults, but are not sure what to offer adolescents. The teen open mic nights we now hold at the library are always a big hit. Students can take what they have learned in your classroom and bring it into the community. At this point, I have students who are setting up their own events - through Elks Lodges, churches, etc. Be a resource for them in their pursuits. Even better, consider attending their events! I am sure they would be really proud to have you there.

Step 10: Relax. Have fun. Enjoy your students' efforts. Consider reading some of your own work. Smile. Laugh with them. Be proud of them.

Next Topic: Hmmmm... I'm not sure. Any requests or suggestions? :)